scholarly journals The effect of propolis supplementation on clinical symptoms in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19): A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Miryan ◽  
Davood Soleimani ◽  
Leila Dehghani ◽  
Karim Sohrabi ◽  
Farzin Khorvash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Placebo Tablet ◽  
Full Protocol

Abstract Objectives This study aims to assess the effect of propolis supplementation on clinical symptoms in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19). Trial design This is a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Arm, Randomized Phase ΙΙ Clinical Trial. Participants Patients with the confirmed COVID-19 based on the PCR test are eligible to participate in the trial if they are 18 to 75 years of age and have no history of the current use of warfarin or propolis supplement and presence of sensitivity to bee products. Patients will be recruited from the Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan city, Isfahan, Iran. Intervention and comparator Participants (N=40) in the intervention group will receive an identical propolis tablet (containing 300 mg Iranian green propolis extract) three times a day for a period of 2 weeks. Participants (N=40) in the control group will receive an identical placebo tablet (containing 300 mg microcrystalline cellulose) three times a day for 2 weeks. All tablets are prepared by the Reyhan Naghsh Jahan Pharmaceutical Co., Isfahan, Iran. Main outcomes The main outcomes are changes in the coronavirus disease’s clinical symptoms including duration and severity from baseline to the end of 2 weeks. Randomization Eligible patients will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group. Randomization will be performed on the basis of permuted block sizes of 4 and will be stratified according to sex categories. Randomization sequences will be prepared by the trial’s pharmacist with the use of random-number tables. Blinding (masking) The trial-group assignment will be concealed from all participants, clinicians, and investigators throughout the trial. To ensure blinding, randomization sequences will be kept in identical, opaque, sealed, sequentially numbered envelopes. Only the trial's pharmacist has access to the randomization list. Also, the placebo tablet will be similar to the propolis tablet in terms of texture, taste, color, odor, and weight. Both tablets will be provided in containers that are completely identical in weight, shape, labelling, and packaging. Numbers to be randomized (sample size) The calculated total sample size is 80 patients, with 40 patients in each group. Trial status The protocol is Version 1.0, October 10, 2020. Recruitment began August 22, 2020, and is anticipated to be completed by March 21, 2021. Trial registration The name of the trial register: The effect of propolis supplementation on clinical symptoms in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. IRCT registration number: IRCT20200802048267N1. Date of trial registration: 20 October 2020, retrospectively registered. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest of expediting the dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

scholarly journals Effects of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation on clinical signs, duration, severity, and inflammatory factors in patients with COVID-19: a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Miryan ◽  
Mohammad Bagherniya ◽  
Amirhossein Sahebkar ◽  
Davood Soleimani ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Rouhani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Inflammatory Mediators ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Full Protocol ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Objectives This study aims to investigate the efficacy of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation on disease duration, severity and clinical symptoms, and inflammatory mediators in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19). Trial design This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel arm clinical trial. Participants All patients aged 20-75 years with the diagnosis of Covid-19 based on the PCR test. The exclusion criteria will include an age less than 20 and more than 75 years, current use of warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs, and the presence of sensitivity to herbal products such as turmeric and pepper. This study will be conducted in academic hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Intervention and comparator Fifty outpatients will be randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1 to receive a capsule of curcumin-piperine containing 500 mg curcumin plus 5 mg piperine or matching placebo containing 505 mg maltodextrin twice a daily, after lunch and dinner, over a period of 2 weeks. Similarly, 50 inpatients who are admitted to hospital wards excluding intensive care unit (ICU) will be randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:1 to receive a capsule curcumin-piperine or matching placebo (provided by the Sami Labs company) twice a daily, after lunch and dinner, over a period of 2 weeks. Main outcomes The main outcomes of this study are the efficacy of curcumin-piperine on coronavirus disease’s clinical symptoms, duration, severity, and inflammatory mediators after 2 weeks of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation. Randomisation Randomization sequences will be generated with the use of a random-number table with a permuted block design (block size of 4) and stratification according to the gender variable (male vs. female). These sequences will be prepared by an independent statistician and will be kept in opaque, sealed, numbered envelopes which will be opened only at the time of enrollment. The allocation ratio in intervention and control groups is 1:1. Researchers and all patients will be unaware of the study-group assignment until the completion of data analyses. Blinding (masking) This study is a double-blind clinical trial (participant, researcher). The curcumin-piperine and placebo supplements are packaged in similar numbered drug containers, and the researcher and all patients will be unaware of the study assignment until the end of the study. Numbers to be randomised (sample size) The calculated total sample size is 100 patients, with 25 patients in each group. Trial Status The protocol is Version 2.0, May 24, 2020. Recruitment began May 4, 2020, and is anticipated to be completed by April 19, 2021. Trial registration This trial has been registered by the title of “Effect of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation on disease duration, severity and clinical signs, and inflammatory factors in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial study” in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with code “IRCT20121216011763N46”, https://www.irct.ir/trial/47529. The registration date is May 4, 2020. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a Low Dose of Melatonin as an Adjunctive Therapy in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gholamreza Farnoosh ◽  
Mostafa Akbariqomi ◽  
Taleb Badri ◽  
Mahdi Bagheri ◽  
Morteza Izadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adjunctive Therapy ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Baseline Health

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of adjuvant use of melatonin in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial included 74 hospitalized patients with confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19 at Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from April 25, 2020 to June 5, 2020. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard of care and standard of care plus melatonin at a dose of 3 mg three times daily for 14 days. Clinical characteristics, laboratory, and radiological findings were assessed and compared between two study groups at baseline and post-intervention. Safety and clinical outcomes were followed up for four weeks. Results: A total of 24 patients in the intervention group and 20 patients in the control group completed the treatment. Compared with the control group, the clinical symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and fatigue, as well as the level of CRP and the pulmonary involvement in the intervention group had significantly improved (P < 0.05). The mean time of hospital discharge of patients and return to baseline health was significantly shorter in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No deaths and adverse events were observed in both groups during this study. Conclusions: Adjuvant use of melatonin has a potential to improve clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients and contribute to a faster return of patients to baseline health. Keywords: COVID-19, Melatonin, Clinical trial, Adjunctive therapy Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04409522

scholarly journals Effects of Licorice on clinical symptoms and laboratory signs in moderately ill patients with pneumonia from COVID-19: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid Safa ◽  
Mehdi Hassani-Azad ◽  
Mehdi Farashahinejad ◽  
Parivash Davoodian ◽  
Habib Dadvand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Natural Medicine ◽  
Full Protocol ◽  
Bandar Abbas

Abstract Objectives We investigate the effects of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root extract, an anti-inflammatory natural medicine, compared to the usual therapeutic regimen on clinical symptoms and laboratory signs in patients with confirmed COVID-19 that are moderately ill. Trial design This is a single-center, open-label, randomized, clinical trial with parallel-group design. This study is being conducted at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Participants Both male and female patients with ≥18 years of age (≥ 35 kg of weight), admitted at the Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas for treatment, screened for the following criteria. Inclusion criteria: 1. Confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (via polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and/or antibody test). 2. Presenting as moderate COVID-19 pneumonia (via chest computed tomography (CT) and/or X-ray) requiring hospitalization. 3. Hospitalized ≤48 hours. 4. Signing informed consent and willingness of study participant to accept randomization to any assigned treatment arm. Exclusion criteria: 1. Underlying diseases, including chronic heart disease, chronic hypertension, severe renal failure, severe liver failure, and thyroid disorders. 2. Severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia. 3. Use of warfarin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), diuretics, corticosteroids, and antiarrhythmic drugs. 4. Treatment with Investigational and antiviral therapy in a clinical study within one month before randomization. 5. History of allergy to Licorice. 6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Intervention and comparator Intervention group: The standard treatment regimen for COVID-19 along with a Licorice-based herbal preparation (D-Reglis ®, Irandarouk Pharmaceutical Company, Iran) at a dose of 760 mg three times a day for a period of seven days. Control group: The standard treatment for COVID-19 based on the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education's protocol for a period of seven days. Main outcomes The recovery rate of clinical symptoms, including fever, dry cough, and tiredness, as well as paraclinical features, including thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia, and C-reactive protein, are evaluated as primary outcomes within seven days of randomization. Time to improvement of clinical and paraclinical features and length of stay in a hospital, along with the incidence of adverse reactions are also evaluated as the secondary outcomes within seven days of randomization. Randomization An electronic table of random numbers will be used to allocate the included participants into either control or intervention groups (in a 1:1 ratio) using the simple randomization method. Blinding (masking) This is an open-label trial without blinding and placebo control. Numbers to be randomized (sample size) A total of 60 participants randomizes (30 patients allocated to the intervention group and 30 patients allocated to the control group). Trial Status The protocol is Version 1.0, May 31, 2020. Recruitment began July 30, 2020, and is anticipated to be completed by October 30, 2020. Trial registration This clinical trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT). The registration number is “IRCT20200506047323N2”, https://www.irct.ir/trial/47990. The registration date is 31 May 2020. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

Efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago Major Gel in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Najafian ◽  
Zahra M. Khorasani ◽  
Mona N. Najafi ◽  
Shokouh S. Hamedi ◽  
Marjan Mahjour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Aloe Vera ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plantago Major ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference

Background:Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common complications of diabetic patients. Mostly, non-healing DFU leads to infection, gangrene, amputation and even death. High costs and poor healing of the wounds need a new treatment such as alternative medicine. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago major gel (Plantavera gel) in healing of DFUMethods:Forty patients with DFU enrolled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The patients who were randomly assigned into the intervention group (n = 20), received topical Plantavera gel in addition to the routine cares, whereas the patients in the control group (n = 20), received topical Placebo gel in addition to the routine cares. Intervention was done twice a day for 4 weeks in the both groups. Photography and an evaluation of DFU healing were conducted by a checklist and then were scored at baseline and at the end of each week. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software.Results:At the end of the study, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of total ulcer score (P<0.001) and Plantavera gel significantly reduced the ulcer surface comparing with the control group (P=0.039). However, there was not a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.263) in terms of the ulcer depth. During this study, no side effect was observed for Plantavera gel in the intervention group.Conclusion:Topical Plantavera gel seems to be an effective, cheap and safe treatment. Of course, further studies are required to confirm the properties of the wound healing of this gel.

scholarly journals Assessment of boron-containing compounds and oleoylethanolamide supplementation on the recovery trend in patients with COVID-19: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helda Tutunchi ◽  
Majid Mobasseri ◽  
Samira Pourmoradian ◽  
Hamid Soleimanzadeh ◽  
Behnam Kafil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Boron Compounds ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Full Protocol

Abstract Objectives In this study, we investigate the effect of boron-containing compounds and oleoylethanolamide supplementation on the recovery trend in patients with COVID-19. Trial design The current study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel groups. Participants The inclusion criteria include male and female patients≥18 years of age, with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or antibody test and with written informed consent to participate in this trial. The exclusion criteria include regular use of any other supplement, severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia, pregnancy and breastfeeding. This study is being conducted at Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Intervention and comparator Patients are randomly assigned to four groups. The first group (A) will take one capsule containing 5 mg of boron compounds twice a day for two weeks. The second group (B) will take one capsule containing 200 mg oleoylethanolamide twice a day for two weeks. The third group (C) will take one capsule containing 5 mg boron compounds with 200 mg oleoylethanolamide twice a day for two weeks, and the fourth group (D) does not receive any additional treatment other than routine treatments. Boron-containing compounds and oleoylethanolamide capsules will be synthesized at Nutrition Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Main outcomes The primary end point of this study is to investigate the recovery rate of clinical symptoms, including fever, dry cough, and fatigue, as well as preclinical features, including complete blood count (CBC), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) profiles within two weeks of randomization. Randomisation Patients are randomized into four equal groups in a parallel design (allocation ratio 1:1). A randomized block procedure is used to divide subjects into one of four treatment blocks (A, B, C, and D) by a computer-generated allocation schedule. Blinding (masking) The participants and investigators (enrolling, assessing, and analyzing) are blinded to the intervention assignments until the end of the study and data analysis. Numbers to be randomised (sample size) The calculated total sample size is 40 patients, with 10 patients in each group. Trial Status The protocol is Version 1.0, May 17, 2020. Recruitment began May 19, 2020, and is anticipated to be completed by October 19, 2020. Trial registration This clinical trial has been registered by the title of “Assessment of boron-containing compounds and oleoylethanolamide supplementation on the recovery trend in Patients with COVID-19: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial” in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT). The registration number is “IRCT20090609002017N35”, https://www.irct.ir/trial/48058. The registration date is 17 May 2020. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of oral hydroxyurea in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia: a protocol for randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e041958
Author(s):  
Nirmani Yasara ◽  
Nethmi Wickramarathne ◽  
Chamila Mettananda ◽  
Aresha Manamperi ◽  
Anuja Premawardhena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Fetal Haemoglobin

IntroductionDespite being one of the first diseases to be genetically characterised, β-thalassaemia remains a disorder without a cure in a majority of patients. Most patients with β-thalassaemia receive only supportive treatment and therefore have a poor quality of life and shorter life spans. Hydroxyurea, which has shown to induce fetal haemoglobin synthesis in human erythroid cells, is currently recommended for the treatment of sickle cell disease. However, its clinical usefulness in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia is unclear. Here, we present a protocol for a randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral hydroxyurea in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia.Methods and analysisThis single-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is conducted at the Thalassaemia Centre of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Adult and adolescent patients with haematologically and genetically confirmed transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia are enrolled and randomised into the intervention or control group. The intervention group receives oral hydroxyurea 10–20 mg/kg daily for 6 months, while the control group receives a placebo which is identical in size, shape and colour to hydroxyurea without its active ingredient. Transfused blood volume, pretransfusion haemoglobin level, fetal haemoglobin percentage and adverse effects of treatment are monitored during treatment and 6 months post-treatment. Cessation or reduction of blood transfusions during the treatment period will be the primary outcome measure. The statistical analysis will be based on intention to treat.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (P/116/05/2018) and the trial is approved by the National Medicinal Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka. Results of the trial will be disseminated in scientific publications in reputed journals.Trial registration numberSLCTR/2018/024; Pre-results.

scholarly journals The Effect of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Alanine Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase in the Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vajiheh Rangboo ◽  
Mostafa Noroozi ◽  
Roza Zavoshy ◽  
Seyed Amirmansoor Rezadoost ◽  
Asghar Mohammadpoorasl
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Hypolipidemic Effect ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cynara Scolymus

Background. Based on recent basic and clinical investigations, the extract of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf has been revealed to be used for hepatoprotective and cholesterol reducing purposes. We aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of artichoke on biochemical and liver biomarkers in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods. In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 60 consecutive patients suffering NASH were randomly assigned to receiveCynara scolymusextract (as 6 tablets per day consisting of 2700 mg extract of the herb) as the intervention group or placebo as the control group for two months.Results. Comparing changes in study markers following interventions showed improvement in liver enzymes. The levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly reduced in the group treated withCynara scolymuswhen compared to placebo group. To compare the role ofCynara scolymususe with placebo in changes in study parameters, multivariate linear regression models were employed indicating higher improvement in liver enzymes and also lipid profile particularly triglycerides and total cholesterol following administration ofCynara scolymusin comparison with placebo use.Conclusion. This study sheds light on the potential hepatoprotective activity and hypolipidemic effect ofCynara scolymusin management of NASH. This clinical trial is registered in the IRCT, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, by numberIRCT2014070218321N1.

Effect of Nebulized Eucalyptus for Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients under Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
HasanAli Karimpour ◽  
Behzad Hematpour ◽  
Saeed Mohammadi ◽  
Javad Aminisaman ◽  
Maryam Mirzaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pulmonary Infections ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
And Control ◽  
And Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract Background: Pneumonia caused by the ventilator is the most common acquired infection in the intensive care unit, which increases the morbidity and mortality of the patients. Eucalyptus plant has antiseptic properties. Therefore, the present study investigates the effect of eucalyptus incense on prevention of pneumonia in patients with endotracheal tube in the intensive care unit. Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 100 patients under ventilation in two intervention and control groups in Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran in 2018. The patients in the intervention group, Eucalyptus solution 2% and in the control group received 10 cc distilled water as an inhaler three times a day. The results of the two groups were compared to the incidence of pulmonary infections based on CPIS criteria and compared with SPSS version 19 software. Results: The incidence of late pneumonia was significantly lower in the intervention group (P=0.02). The onset of pneumonia significantly later in the intervention group than the control group (P=0.01). The prevalence of Klebsiella, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly decreased in the intervention group (P=0.02) (P=0.04) (P=0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that eucalyptus inhalation is effective in reducing the incidence of pulmonary infection in patients under ventilation. It is recommended that these products be used to prevent pulmonary infections in these patients.

Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections: results of a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-189
Author(s):  
V.V. Rafalsky ◽  
◽  
R.F. Khamitov ◽  
T.I. Martynenko ◽  
M.V. Chernogorova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections

This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to obtain additional data on the efficacy and safety of Anaferon for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) during seasonal increase in their incidence (RCT of the Ministry of Health of Russia No 356 dated 24.07.2018; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03707912). Patients and methods. Between October 2018 and March 2019, a total of 204 patients aged 18 to 70 years with ARVI symptoms were included in this study within the first 24 hours of symptom onset. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: 104 individuals received oral Anaferon (should be kept in the mouth until completely dissolved and without food) according to the following scheme: 1 tablet every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours; then 3 more doses at regular intervals during the first day; then 1 tablet 3 times a day on days 2–5; 100 individuals received placebo according to the same scheme. The primary endpoint was time to resolution of symptoms of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) – confirmed ARVI. Addithional endpoints included: time to resolution of symptoms of ARVI confirmed by PCR; proportion of patients with resolution of symptoms of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR-confirmed ARVI and separately PCR-confirmed ARVI; severity of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR-confirmed ARVI (assessed by ‘area under the curve’ for the total severity index); the number of antipyretic doses taken according to indications on days 1–3 of treatment (checked in the patient's diary); proportion of patients who required antibiotic treatment on days 4–7 of follow-up. To assess safety, we analyzed the incidence and type of adverse events (AEs), their severity, association with drug use, and treatment outcome. The following statistical methods were used: Fisher's exact test, Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test, Wilcoxon test, and repeated measures ANOVA, PROC MIXED. Results. A total of 203 patients were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (РР) analysis: 103 [95] individuals in the Anaferon arm and 100 [93] individuals in the Placebo arm. Patients receiving Anaferon had significantly shorter time to resolution of all ARVI symptoms than patients receiving placebo: 4.1 ± 1.6 days vs 4.5 ± 1.5 days (p = 0.032). The disease was on average 1 day shorter in patients from the experimental group compared to controls: 3.6 ± 1.5 days vs 4.6 ± 1.5 days (p = 0.007). The proportion of patients who had resolution of symptoms of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR-confirmed ARVI was significantly higher in the Anaferon arm compared to Placebo arm (p = 0.0012). Among patients with PCR-verified ARVI, treatment with Anaferon resulted in twice as frequent recovery as in the control group on day 4 (53.7% vs 26.3%) and day 7 (70.7% vs 36.8%). In the Anaferon arm, we observed shorter disease duration and higher proportion of patients recovered compared to the Placebo arm; however, patients in both groups had a similar need for antipyretic drugs on days 1–3 of treatment, as well as for antibiotic therapy. The incidence of AEs in the Anaferon and Placebo groups did not vary significantly. No AEs with a reliable association with Anaferon were registered. Conclusion. Our findings suggest high efficacy and safety of Anaferon in patients with ARVI. The best results were obtained in patients with PCR-verified diagnosis, which can be attributed to the involvement of the interferon system in the action of the drug. The results of this RCT confirm the data obtained in previous studies and long-term clinical experience of using Anaferon. Key words: acute respiratory viral infections, ARVI, treatment, effective therapy, placebo-controlled study, Anaferon, randomized clinical trial, comprehensive therapy, efficacy, safety

scholarly journals The effect of Melissa officinalis syrup on patients with mild to moderate psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Yargholi ◽  
Leila Shirbeigi ◽  
Roja Rahimi ◽  
Parvin Mansouri ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Ayati
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Skin Area ◽  
Melissa Officinalis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Objective Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. It can involve any body skin area, particularly the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. There are several topical and systemic therapies for the treatment. Nowadays, herbal medicines are popular treatments for dermatologic conditions. This two-arm parallel, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to examine the hypothesis of the efficacy of Melissa officinalis syrup on patients with mild-to-moderate Plaque psoriasis. Result Among 100 patients, 95 participants completed the trial and five of them withdrew. The mean pruritus intensity and PASI scores decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). The DLQI score in the intervention group increased post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (P = 0.029); however, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control group at the end of the study (0.065). Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials on November 9th, 2019 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/43434; registration number: IRCT20191104045326N1).

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